The best ways to NOT buy it

January 13th, 2008 at 03:34 am

How to resist temptation when that new gadget, latest style, or flashy toy is calling your name? Here are a few ideas:
1. Borrow it. Whether it's a dressy outfit for a one-time affair, a movie or CD you want to check out, or a tool you will only need once, find another was to get it - temporarily. At least then it won't be taking up space in your closet when you no longer need it.
2. Get it for free. Put the word out with friends and family, or ask on Freecycle.org. You'd be surprised what other people have laying around and are happy to get rid of.
3. One of my favorites - calculate how long you need to work to afford it. I have backed out of a lot of purchases after realizing just how many hours I had to put in to make the money for it. A shirt is not worth a day's work for me, but a vacation is worth two weeks!
4. Put the purchase off. Tell yourself that if you still want it tomorrow, next week, or in a month, you'll go back to get it. Many of the times, you'll decide you don't need it (if you even remember about it in a week).
5. Same principle as #4 - don't buy it unless you can do it in cash. Seeing how long it takes you to save up the cash might deter you from wanting it. It might just feel TOO good to have that money sitting in savings!

And after all this...if you still need it - find it used. But that's for another post

Wow, I never realized how much my mother follows these rules! No wonder she is a whiz with money even though she has never made bundles. She is an awesome saver, but enjoys life, too. Some things to think about....

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